Milwaukee police officers spent Sunday afternoon spreading some Christmas cheer to 50 families from the city, with an assist from a certain jolly old elf.

Kids played musical chairs, had their faces painted and even got to sit on Santa Claus' lap before receiving at least two gifts each, part of a holiday outreach effort.

"We wanted the kids to see us as individuals, to let them know we are there to help them," said Officer Lisa Saffold, one of the officers in the Milwaukee Police Department's Districts 4 and 7 who organized the event.

Saffold high-fived one little party-goer who showed her his dinner plate — "I'm done," he said — before she gave him the OK to get some cake.

Each of the two districts selected 25 kids in need and invited them to the Police Academy for the afternoon.

Many local businesses and community organizations donated food, money and presents for the event and helped select families in need.

Rhondi Love, a coordinator with the community group Safe & Sound, said it is important to integrate police officers into the community in positive ways.

"A lot of kids see officers in a negative situation," she said.

Two sisters, Brianna and Brooklyn, both of Milwaukee, said they were having a great time at the party.

"I liked the mashed potatoes and corn," said Brianna, 5, while also reporting that she liked the presents she had received so far — a jump rope, puzzle, stuffed dog and candy.

Brooklyn, 6, said they planned to play all the games.

Ebony Cook attended the event with her two sons, ages 8 and 9, who played basketball in the Police Academy gym Sunday before receiving presents. Cook said both her boys want to grow up to be police officers, and she appreciates the positive interaction with officers and the department.

"This shows my kids not to be scared of them," she said.

About Ellen Gabler

Ellen Gabler is an investigative reporter and assistant editor who has covered health and regulatory issues and specializes in data analysis. Her recent reporting has exposed shortcomings with clinical laboratories, including a lack of transparency in the quality of labs and accrediting organizations that oversee them. Her 2013 examination of flaws in the nation's newborn screening programs led to reform throughout the country.